Where to stay

Hanoi takes its food seriously. From seafood and meat, often self-prepared on a barbecue, to flavorful soups packed with fresh herbs and spices, the city offers great appeal for gourmands. For street food, stay in Hoan Kiem, subdivided into the Old Quarter, with winding lanes and alleys, and the French Quarter, with a more cosmopolitan feel. Popular with expats, the neighborhood of Tay Ho offers more upscale dining options with lakeside views, making it a good place to stay for families or those on a romantic getaway.

The Old Quarter is a great area to delve into Hanoi's rich past. Staying in this neighborhood ensures close proximity to attractions such as the Ngoc Son Temple, Cau Dong Pagoda, and Soviet-style Dong Xuan Market. For an insight into the traditional Vietnamese art form of puppetry, head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Alternatively, Ba Dinh offers a getaway for those wishing to escape the chaotic streets of the city center, as well as numerous historical marvels to explore. Lodgings in this neighborhood give visitors easy access to the Vietnam Military History Museum, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and One Pillar Pagoda.

Those looking to fill their bags with souvenirs for their loved ones back home should consider booking a hotel in Hoan Kiem. The narrow lanes of the Old Quarter, just north of Hoan Kiem lake, are filled with old shophouses. Many of them have been converted into stores stocking textiles, ceramics, and traditional puppets. For a more modern shopping experience, look for accommodations in Hai Ba Trung, a neighborhood full of modern movie theaters, trendy cafés, and shopping malls.